What does the Year of the Horse Mean for You?

5 Ways to Have a Lucky Year & Celebrate Lunar Chinese New Year in Sydney with arriva.

Tuesday 17th February 2026 marks an important date in the lunar calendar – the start of the next Chinese New Year.

Based on the Chinese zodiac, this year is represented by the Fire Horse, which is the seventh animal in the zodiac cycle. Symbolically, the horse represents strength and independence, and 2026 will be a year marked by momentum, energy, and opportunity – which means it’s also the perfect time for positive change.

Even if you were not born in the year of the Horse, there are still many ways to embrace the benefits of this animal and help make 2026 a year of opportunity and success:

1. Time for a Fresh Start

Leave the energy of 2025’s Snake behind and look forward to better, more vibrant, and consistent surroundings. If you want to set yourself up with the right community, safety, and an ideal location – arriva has you covered. Our arriva locations (such as Camperdown, Strathfield, Chippendale, St Peters, and more) offer an enhanced living experience thanks to our unique build-to-rent model.

This means you can call an arriva apartment home for as long as you like, because our focus is directly on the needs of our Residents, and we won’t be selling the apartment from under you. This provides extra security and peace of mind.

Our dedicated team ensure you’re supported from day one and are there to help with your needs, actively maintaining your arriva location – from the garden to cleaning, tidying, and servicing the spacious shared areas, and staying on hand and ready to resolve any apartment issues with speed and a smile.

Our locations focus on comfort, ease, and convenience, so wherever you decide to settle, you’ll enjoy great walkability and be close to transport, cafes, restaurants, parks, shopping centres, hospitals, and study institutions such as universities and schools.

2. Embrace Decluttering & Sustainability

It’s a great time to finally sort through everything in your home and decide if there are any items taking up space but not adding to your ambience. You can donate or recycle these items to create more space and room to enjoy.

When it comes to sustainability at arriva, we want to help make every day of your 2026 better. That’s why we include solar power, water recycling, electric vehicle charging stations, and waste reduction initiatives. Your arriva apartment is equipped with 5-star rated energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, and eco-friendly glazing – all for your comfort and a clear conscience.

3. Spend Time with Those Who Matter Most

Living in an inviting arriva space means you’ll want to have your friends and family over – and better yet, arriva apartments are pet friendly, so your fluffy, feathered, or furry friends can feel welcome and make themselves at home too. You can read more about that here.

If you plan on hosting at home, many arriva residences have shared spaces you can enjoy with friends or family, such as rooftop BBQ areas, balconies for sunset drinks and nibbles, and gardens for picnics and playtime with younger family members (children and pets).

4. Make Yourself a Focus

Make sure this is the year you prioritise anything you put off or couldn’t give your full attention to last year. For example:

• Getting enough sleep – keep your room temperature controlled and use an eye mask if you need a completely darkened bedroom for deeper rest.
• Focusing on your health and wellbeing – keep your body active by spending time at a gym or taking regular walks or runs at a nearby park or walking trail.
• Planning for the future – whether that’s starting a new course, studying at a Sydney university, or making a change in your career, the energy of the Horse is here for you.

5. Start with a Celebration

The Sydney Lunar Festival has become one of the largest celebrations and sets a positive tone for the year. If you’re looking for another way to celebrate, why not visit one of these Sydney Lunar New Year hotspots:

• Lion Dancing – a free event designed to welcome good fortune and prosperity into the Lunar New Year. High-energy lion dances chase away bad spirits with loud drums, gongs, and cymbals, performed on the steps of Town Hall, 483 George Street, Sydney CBD.
• Twilight Garden Party – explore the tranquil Chinese Garden of Friendship by twilight and enjoy live music, cultural performances, traditional games, and drinks and snacks.
• Fireworks & Jetpacks – enjoy music, bold fireworks, and high-flying lion dancers performing aerial acrobatics over Cockle Bay on 21st February 2026.

The team at arriva wish everyone a very Happy Chinese New Year (大吉大利), full of luck and success.

If we can help you find the perfect place to call home, or if you would like to view an arriva residence, please contact us here.